JET Program

Mission: To maintain a safe environment for the youth of our community to gather, for the purpose of learning the many aspects of the fire service, as well as provide avenues for positive social interaction. To build each junior up to their potential by focusing on leadership, character, teamwork and the community. To provide an active and enjoyable program for our members and their families.

What is a Junior Emergency Technician (JET) Program?

The Powhatan County Fire and Rescue Department JET Program affords its members, ages 12-15, the opportunity to learn firefighting and emergency service skills in a safe and structured environment. JETs build strong bonds with peers while working together to meet common goals within the program, as well as in the community. The program is organized and facilitated by active members of the Powhatan County Fire and Rescue Department. They lead, guide and teach the juniors, but the juniors themselves take leadership and decision making roles. Juniors experience the practical application of the emergency service structure and roles, thus preparing them for not only positions in the emergency services, but leadership roles in whatever they choose to do in life. Although parents/guardians are not required to volunteer their time with the program, we love to get our members parents involved. These volunteers are instrumental in the success of the program because our members love to share their JET’s experiences with their families. The junior program offers many ways for family members to get involved. Parent/Guardians may choose to participate as little or as much as they would like. Some may even choose to become active members of the Powhatan County Fire and Rescue Department. Junior Emergency Technician programs give young people the chance to learn about their local fire, rescue and emergency services organizations in a safe, controlled educational and fun way while providing departments with an excellent recruitment mechanism. Reaching out to people when they are young has long-range effects, and encouraging youths to take part in the emergency services is extremely beneficial to local communities and departments. Benefits of the JET firefighting program are:

Allowing youth to gain insight and interest in becoming long term members of the emergency services

Increasing awareness among youth about volunteering and supporting the fire and emergency services

Providing departments with additional help in accomplishing non-firefighting or emergency tasks

Leadership development for America’s youth, who are tomorrow’s leaders

Educating parents and mentor on the importance of encouraging volunteerism

Prospective members must fill out an application, have parental approval, have good grades and must maintain a C+ average once enrolled.

Once enrolled in the program, the juniors study firefighting, emergency service response, and are instructed by active volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Once reaching the age of 16 the participant can join a Department or Rescue Squad.